A presentation about disc herniation (L4- L5) made in ICBI 341 Neurobiology, a class I took at Mahidol University International College.

1. Disc herniation (L4-L5)
Emilio Solomon
5580132

2. Vertebral column
• 33 vertebrae
• 4 regions
• Cervical (7)
• Thoracic (12)
• Lumbar (5)
• Sacral (5)
• Coccygeal (4)

3. Vertebrae (Lumbar)
Typical
• Body- for support
• Vertebral arch  spinous
process, transverse process,
superior and inferior articular
process
• Vertebral foramen- where the
spinal cord passes through
Lumbar
• Large body
• Long & slender transverse
process
• Mamillary & accessory
processes

4. Intervertebral disc
• Shock absorbers
• Cushions the spine
• Keeps the spine flexible

5. Dermatome
L4- L5
• Foot (dorsum)
• Posterior & outer
surfaces of lower limbs

6. Disc herniation (L4-L5)
• IV disc is damaged  annulus fibrosus breaks open or
cracks, nucleus pulposus leaks out
• Compression of nerve root of L5
• Usually caused by wear and tear of IV or spine injury

7. Symptoms
• Leg pain (sciatica)
• Numbness, weakness, tingling
• Pins and needles
• Lower back pain or pain in the
buttocks
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

8. Laminectomy
• Surgical excision to remove laminae
• Relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots

9. Other treatments
• Physical therapy
• Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Oral steroids
• Epidural injections (e.g. cortisone)

10. Risk factors
• Weight- excess body weight causes extra stress in the discs
• Occupation- physically demanding jobs that require repetitive
lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways, and twisting
• Poor posture
• Aging- natural biochemical changes causes the disc to gradually
dry out
• Lifestyle choices- tobacco use, lack of regular exercise, and
inadequate nutrition
• Genetics- genetic predisposition